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44
SOIL .—With the exception of a portion of the south of the
Borough, the entire district is situated on excellent gravel soil,
which is everywhere found within a few inches of the surface.
It is significant to note that in the south portion of the
Borough, which is not on gravel soil, the death rate from tuberculosis
and diseases of the respiratory system is nearly double
the rate for the rest of the Borough. It is, however, probable
that other factors are also present which are partly responsible
for the increased rate in this particular area.
EMPLOYMENT.—There are practically no factories here,
and though from a pecuniary point of view their absence may be
deplored, it follows that there are no unhealthy trades and also
no smoke or other fumes to pollute the air.
The Borough is practically a dormitory for London, a
large portion of the population of both sexes being employed
there in warehouses, offices, shops, etc. This probably explains
why the death-rates for the two sexes are about equal; both
aie largely engaged in sedentary indoor occupations, doubtless
under very similar conditions, and therefore tending to produce
approximately equivalent results.
MEASLES.
This disease was somewhat prevalent, especially duiing
February and March.
262 cases were reported by teachers in the Elementary
Schools, but this by no means represents the total number of
cases which probably occurred in the Borough. 57 deaths
were registered as being due to Measles, and of this number no
less than 51 were children under five years of age.
The death-rate was equal to 0.38 per 1,000 of Population
as compared with 0.20 during the previous year.
Tire death rate from this disease in England and Wales
was 0.32 and the average rate for the 76 Great Towns was
0.47 per 1,000 of Population.